Capstone Presentations

The morning session, facilitated by the program coordinator, Mr. Arman Mangilinan, commenced with an orientation on capstone presentation guidelines. This was followed by a series of capstone presentations by 50 participants, divided into 12 breakout rooms. Each participant delivered a detailed analysis of organizational issues and proposed innovative IR/HR strategies, addressing critical areas such as talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, diversity, and HR analytics.

Distinguished critics, including Dr. Virgel Binghay, Dr. Ronahlee Asuncion, Assistant Professor Benjamin Velasco, Atty. Alvin Alburo, Ms. Sophia Lu-Chua, Ms. Gina Harder, and Mr. Arman Mangilinan, alongside guest critics Dr. Verna Dinah Viajar, Engr. Brian Anthony Gumiran, Mr. Franco Del Rosario, Ms. Rhonadale Florentino, and Ms. Dothy Grace Bungay, evaluated the presentations. Their insights and constructive feedback provided invaluable learning opportunities for the presenters.

Afternoon Activities & Awarding of Certificates

The afternoon session began with a post-test at 2:00 PM, designed to evaluate the participants’ grasp of the course content. Notably, Ms. Cesca Denise Servañez emerged as the top scorer and delivered an inspiring speech during the closing program, sharing her experiences and reflections on the course.

The culmination ceremony was graced by Dr. Melisa Serrano, Dean of UP SOLAIR, who congratulated the participants and emphasized the importance of promoting labor justice and decent work. This sentiment resonated with the program’s overarching objective of equipping HR professionals to lead transformative changes in their organizations.

Dr. Virgel Binghay, program and CIPC Director, took the stage to present the certificate graduates to the Dean, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

The program concluded with Dr. Binghay’s closing remarks, emphasizing the critical role of HR practitioners in shaping inclusive and sustainable workplaces. His message served as a call to action for the graduates to champion excellence and innovation in their respective organizations. He also encouraged the graduates to continue their professional development through the Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR), the Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) programs, and other institutional courses offered by UP SOLAIR. Lastly, he expressed his gratitude to all participants, resource speakers, and the tireless efforts of the REPS, administrative staff, and student assistants who helped execute the program seamlessly.

The program concluded with a unifying rendition of the beloved university hymn, “UP Naming Mahal,” a fitting end that celebrated the graduates’ journey and underscored their collective commitment to the ideals of the University of the Philippines.

The 21st Certificate Course in IRHR culminated as a testament to the participants’ commitment to advancing their expertise in industrial relations and human resource management. It also highlighted the collective effort of the program organizers, resource speakers, and critics in fostering a rich learning environment of the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations.